NEOSTEIN: An Evening with Claire Jia-Wen

NEOSTEIN is an artists' salon for the Roarin' Twenty-Twenties. Based on the Parisian salons of Gertrude Stein and contemporaries, we are a discussion, work, and reading group.

Hosted by author Seven Rasmussen, each meeting begins with the discussion of a short story, then a quiet hour to focus on our individual works-in-progress, followed by a short sharing session. Socializing afterward is highly encouraged. Artists of all career stages are welcome.

This is an opportunity to generate work, meet other artists and writers, and engage in conversation about art and creativity. The featured short story this week is FOUR SOUPS FOR A FOUR-PESTS PLAGUE, originally published in IF THERE'S ANYONE LEFT V5:

https://www.iftheresanyoneleft.com/stories/clairejiawen

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This second meeting of NEOSTEIN will include a conversation with Claire Jia-Wen:

Claire Jia-Wen is a speculative fiction writer originally from the 626 and has work published or forthcoming in khōréō, Clarkesworld, Nightmare, Apex, and more. A Viable Paradise and Clarion alum, she is currently a PhD student studying human-computer interaction.

Attendance is free with the purchase of a drink from our host venue, TOLK.

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ABOUT THE HOST: Seven Rasmussen is a queer author and editor of literary speculative fiction. She lives in Brooklyn with her beloved cats and recently retired from a harrowing career as an academic. Seven is the co-editor of If There’s Anyone Left, an annual anthology of flash fiction from marginalized writers from around the globe. Her fiction has appeared in Clarkesworld, Diabolical Plots, neon hemlock, and more. Her debut non-fiction, Cloudy With a Chance of Starships, arrives August 2026 via Princeton U. Press. Seven can be found on various social media as @toomanyspectra.

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AGENDA:

7:00 - 7:15: meet and greet
7:15 - 7:45: chat virtually with Claire Jia-Wen
7:45 - 8:45: freewrite/free-create
8:45 - 9:00: (optional) share your progress
9:00 -- ??: socialize at local bar (TBD)

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TOLK: At our gallery-café, we bring together the love of exceptional coffee and local art. Our beans are carefully sourced from a trusted local roaster, Partners, ensuring every cup supports the community. We host exhibitions and creative events, making our space a vibrant hub for art lovers and coffee enthusiasts alike.

Subways:

(L) Dekalb
(M/L) Myrtle-Wyckoff
(M) Knickerbocker